For Radha Ashtami 2026, the Ashtami tithi begins from the afternoon of September 18. This has led devotees to question whether they should give up food and begin their fast right from the start of the tithi, that is, from the afternoon itself. The Radha Ashtami fast is observed to mark the birth anniversary of Radha Rani, and knowing the correct rules and timing is considered important. The report notes that understanding the proper vrat rule is necessary, though the detailed fasting rules, worship procedure, and the exact time to give up food are not specified in the available source material.